Adding icons to the desktop or taskbar

Applies to Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1

In Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, you can pin Windows Store apps and desktop applications to the taskbar for quick access. You can also create shortcuts on the desktop for the desktop applications, folders and files you often use.

To pin applications to the taskbar

On the Start screen, tap and hold or right-click the app, then tap or click Pin to taskbar (you can also do this in the Apps view). – or –If the app is already open on the desktop, tap and hold or right-click the app's taskbar button, then tap or click Pin this program to taskbar.

Note

To remove a pinned application from the taskbar, open the application's Jump List, then tap or click Unpin this program from taskbar.

To add shortcuts to the desktop

Tap and hold or right-click the desktop, tap or click New, then tap or click Shortcut.

Enter the location of the item or tap or click Browse to find the item in File Explorer.

Notes

To delete a shortcut from your desktop, tap and hold or right-click it, then tap or click Delete.

If you delete a shortcut, only the shortcut is removed, not the original item.